A few years ago, Sony come up with an audio solution Hi-Res Audio that claims to improve user experiences. In this series of story, I will explore with you Hi-Res Audio (aka Hi-Res) - from the basic concept, how to benefit from it, and consequently other more advanced topics related to it. Info available from Sony will not be repeated
Definition
Audio source that contain audio data higher than 44.1kHz-16bit. Typical examples are 44.1kHz-24bit, 96kHz-24bit & 192kHz-24bit.
How to obtain
Easiest way is to buy them from online audio store. Using software to convert your CD collection to higher parameter file will not bring benefit to your audio experience.
Difference to CD technology
CD, a technology popular since 80s, is a physical medium that contain audio data in digital format. Hi-Res improves over varies technology such as CD, DAT, MiniDisc (MD) and iTunes, by publishing audio file mastered with more data instructing how the audio player re-generate sound wave for your hearing. In general, the more the data feed into your audio player, the more complete the sound you will hear.
Is this just a marketing hype?
No, it is not.
Some expert in audio industry use scientific data to judge that there will not be benefits for data source better than CD. They missed the fact that the capacity of a CD is a limiting factor that the audio stream contained is mastered to cope with CD capacity. Hi-Res Audio file contain more data even on the same frequency such as 44.1kHz-24bit format.
Equipment
All PC, Mac, iPhone and most Android phone will not maximize your experiences. iPhone that relies on iTunes will not play Hi-Res audio file unless you install 3rd party apps, while Android will play Hi-Res audio file - both will be limiting at 48kHz. The good news is you will still hear improvement when playing Hi-Res audio file because they contain more data and mastered differently.
There are ways to bypass these limits such as attaching a different hardware to your equipment, or you buy a separate Hi-Res audio Player, such as Walkman.
In the next few stories, I will bring up several topics related to Hi-Res audio. So, stay tuned. And be sure to Up Vote because this brings me power to write more, and leave your comments on questions you want to know.
P.S. This topic is controversial. In forums that discuss about audio technology, the benefit of Hi-Res bring up intense discussions. If you do not think Hi-Res audio is worth the hassle, please do not down vote because the objective of writing is to introduce to the community what I have learnt about Hi-Res audio. Instead, leave comments to tell me what you think. Thank you.
Nice post ;)
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